by Chris Williams and Richard Obert, USA TODAY Sports

by Chris Williams and Richard Obert, USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX -- A high school football player died Monday night at a Phoenix hospital, days after he suffered a blow to the head during a game.

Keams Canyon, Ariz., Hopi High School football running back Charles Youvella suffered a critical head injury Saturday night during a Division V playoff game against Arizona Lutheran Academy.

The Hopi Bruins trailed 60-6 at the time of the injury. Youvella had already scored the team's only touchdown and, on defense, sacked the Coyotes quarterback.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Youvella caught a pass and was taken down in what officials said appeared to be a typical football tackle. On the way down, the back of Youvella's head hit the ground hard.

Witnesses said Youvella got right back to his feet and lined up for two more plays before collapsing on the field. He was conscious and talking when paramedics took him away, but by the time he arrived at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix he was in critical condition. He remained that way through Monday.

Chuck Schmidt, Associate Executive Director of the AIA, said the organization would start an account through which people can donate to help the family with medical bills. Youvella's father, Wallace, is a member of the AIA.

"He has a significant amount of family around him," Schmidt said before Youvella's passing was announced by hospital officials Monday night. "I can't believe the support up there. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers."

Youvella was the second-leading rusher on a Hopi team that had its best regular-season record (9-1) in school history.

His family declined interviews.

Chris Williams and Richard Obert write for KPNX-TV. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.